But the striker is in danger of missing the Bluebirds’ first game back in the top flight for 51 years after he damaged his ankle in training.

Mackay said: “We’re working on him to get him back for the start of the season. I would be guessing right now if he will be fit for the first game but we still have two weeks.”

Craig Bellamy also missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Serie A regulars AC Chievo-Verona after he was laid low by an illness. But South Korean midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung proved he could be a surprise goal-scorer this season after hitting the target for a third game in a row.

Stephen Caulker made his debut off the bench following a £9m move from Spurs.